BEN HOEVEN, WELL KNOWN BANKER AT GEORGE, PASSES

Ben Hoeven, oldest child of the pioneer Evert Hoeven family who settled on a homestead near Newkirk in 1870, prominent businessman and banker at George for many years, died at the home of his daughter at George Monday morning, January 11, of pneumonia. He was taken ill last Friday. The end came suddenly. Mr. Hoeven would have been 78 if he had lived next February 18.

Born in the Netherlands, at Newkirk, on February 18, 1859, he came to America with his parents on a sailing vessel when he was 7 years of age. The voyage across the Atlantic took 7 weeks, the passengers disembarking finally at Quebec. From there they came down the coast to New York and then traveled overland to Pella, Iowa, there they arrived in August, 1865.

As a lad Mr. Hoeven helped with the farm work there until in March, 1870, when he came with his father to Sioux County to take up a homestead, the trip being made by covered wagon. They returned to Pella in August and spent the winter there, returning to Sioux County in the spring to stay. He helped construct a shanty for the family who came in May, 1871. Mr. Hoeven worked on the farm until 1887 when he married Miss Wilemina Van Peursem of Orange City.

Then he was employed by the late G. Rozeboom at Hospers. Mr. Rozeboom (Roxy) was a big grain and livestock buyer and Mr. Hoeven handled the Hospers end of his business. When the Illinois Central railroad was built from Cherokee to Sioux Falls he and his brother, John went to George to engage in the implement business. In 1896, when his brother died, he took over the business and since had operated it alone. Later he entered the banking business and was mayor of George for several terms. At one time, before the 1921 crash, Mr. Hoeven’s wealth was estimated at close to a quarter million dollars. The deflation 16 years ago, however, caused him considerable loss.

Ben Hoeven was a self made man and his success is an inspiration for those who have industry, thrift and courage, the three qualities that so largely account for his great rise in fortune, aided by his own keen intelligence.

He is survived by the one daughter, Mrs. Ella Brinkman of George, and by one grandson; and by four brothers and sisters as follows: Garret of Alton; Mrs. John DeBruin, Hospers; Jacob of Sioux City; Ike of Sioux Center, Mrs. De Jong, Hospers; Mrs. Ella Idema, Mrs. Bert Braskamp, both of Sheldon; Abe, Long Beach, California. Four brothers and one sister preceded him in death.
His wife, Wilemina, died December 22, 1915.

Funeral services are being held this Thursday at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church of George of which he was an elder for many years. Burial will be at the Newkirk Cemetery at three o’clock.

Source: Alton Democrat January 15, 1937
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